alchemy

noun

Definition of alchemynext
1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means … an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—James Gleick

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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alchemy Since his debut album Pony was released in 2019, Peck has always trafficked in a perfect alchemy of mystery and intimacy. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 Jack introduces Poppy to the alchemy of turning ingredients into a dish, and as her love for cooking and confidence in the kitchen grows, so do her feelings for Jack. — Grace Reilly, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Daoist ideas of alchemy play an important role in this relationship. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 And that’s where Musk somehow is just able to be this movable lightning rod that can do financial alchemy, but then also this attention alchemy. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
  1. occultism
  2. magic
  3. sorcery
  4. witchcraft
  5. wizardry
Noun
  • In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.
    — Owen Carry, Wired News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of occultism
Noun
  • In the end, Cameroon’s experience won out as Malawi’s debut magic dried up one game too soon.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tokarz needed the cube to play both on stage in Los Angeles and on the Strip in Las Vegas, so the sequence was broken into three bits and, with the magic of VFX and editing, seamlessly woven together.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • With ancient Greek tale The Odyssey still slashing its way to peak box office, the sword and sorcery age remains a potent genre for Hollywood.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These are some of man's most sorcery-like achievements, providing materials with excellent engineering properties.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • The British horror film stars Oscar-winner Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, telling the story of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century priest who was accused of witchcraft.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Think earthy, free-spirited garb, Bohemian crafts and clothing, and the visual symbols of Wicca and other witchcraft traditions.
    — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • By some architectural wizardry of concrete and glass the pictures inside stand to attention, as if they, too, are suspended in time and space—a collection that faces in one direction, in orderly fashion, like the Terracotta Army.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
  • Anyway, Will Venable has my imaginary vote, though Mike Vasil's wizardry might be the bigger reason why the White Sox are rolling.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of wizardry

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Cite this Entry

“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alchemy

Nglish: Translation of alchemy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alchemy

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